2010年12月24日

Toyota took four Hilux vehicles, between November 10 and December 5, across Antarctica proving that its pickup is all but unstoppable. In total, the vehicles covered over 4,600 km with temperatures down to minus 56°C and an altitude of 3,400 m.

The pickups were prepared by Artic Trucks, but the 3.0 L D-4D diesel engines remained entirely unchanged for the expedition. The Hilux proved to have lower fuel consumption and higher average speed than any equivalent Antarctic vehicle. The term low is relatively speaking, since we are talking about a fuel consumption of 50 L/100 km, but this figure is 5 to 8 times lower than that achieved by tracked vehicles. That's important when one barrel of oil in Antarctica can cost up to $10,000…!

I am not convinced that this is something that could be considered as trusted info or whatever, but in any case I decided to post it. This is a logo for Toyota's version of FT-86 uncovered by Car and Driver.

What that really means? The only conclusion that can be made is the fact that Toyota will use the number 86 somehow (it's shown in the centre where the crankshaft would live).

Suzuki has launched the new Solio in Japan today and there are no surprises, since a lot of brochure images have leaked in the past, which of course I have posted. I have to admit that I really like its design and it's a shame that we won't get it in Europe. Perhaps Suzuki should consider bring it over here, since the small MPV-ish segment becomes increasingly popular (e.g. Toyota Verso-S, upcoming Subaru Justy etc.)

Suzuki claims that the new Solio is fun to drive, easy to use and with a better fuel economy. The 1.2 L engine, producing 91 hp, comes from the new Swift and it is coupled to a CVT gearbox achieving a fuel efficiency of 22.5 km/L.

Sales target is around 12,000 units per year and following an agreement between Suzuki and Mitsubishi, Suzuki will supply Mitsubishi with around 800 units per month. Mitsubishi will start selling its variant of Solio in spring 2011.

Prices start from 1,382,850 ¥ for G grade (2WD) and the next grade, called X, costs 1,509,900 ¥ (1,632,750 ¥ for the 4WD version). Top grade S costs 1,624,350 ¥ (1,747,200 ¥ for the 4WD version).

The first 10 LEAFs have been delivered in Europe and to be more precise in Portugal, as a recognition of the country's pioneering work in the electric mobility field with the MOBI.E Program. Portugal has a a dedicated nation-wide smart grid for electric vehicles.

The Prime Minister of Portugal, Jose Socrates, has become the first head of state in the world to adopt an EV, which will be used for his official travels around Lisbon.

The MOBI.E network currently spreads over 25 municipalities throughout the country with over 50 charging points already installed. The plan is to install more than 1300 normal charging points and 50 quick charging stations by mid-2011.